It’s been exciting to witness firsthand the transforming McLemore Golf Club into what is now known as McLemore Resort. And a great first season for McLemore Golf School! While serving the resort as its first Director of Instruction for the past 6 months. All the while providing golfers from around the world to experience a golf improvement program through McLemore Golf School.
With 6 months of memories, I thought it fitting to encapsulate my experiences in a season ending blog post to share with you. So, you can understand the beauty and peacefulness of the property provides all its guests. And to prepare you to experience the same in 2025 and beyond.
McLemore Golf School
Each guest of the resort and client of McLemore Golf School was totally enthralled by the serine and peaceful backdrop the property provides a golfer. And every golfer went home with a plan that will sustain their enjoyment and improvement as a golfer.
Most golfers participated in 1-to-1 golf school experiences with me. But others opted for a group setting, taught by me and my assistants at McLemore. Whether it was an hour lesson or a multiple day program, all golfers now know what it takes to reach their potential. And they have indelible memories to remind them of what to do the next time they’re on the course facing a challenging shot.
Singer/Songwriter Series
All the artists were absolutely genuine and engaging with the intimate crowds that gathered each month. With each month featuring a singer/songwriter that has contributed some of the most memorable songs we listen to.
From Patrick Davis starting the season, to Maggie Rose closing the season, each artist brought along their stories about each song. As well as acoustically performed some songs we would never have thought were penned by them. Probably the highlight of the series and the most attended date was that of Charles Esten, who played a role in the TV dramas Nashville and Outer Banks.
At the time of this post, there are plans to include a VIP experience with each Singer/Songwriter in 2025 within a special couples McLemore Golf School program. Be sure to check back often for more news about this program offering.
The Keep
One of the more involved aspects of McLemore Resort is the new golf course, The Keep. As Bill Bergin and Rees Jones made their magic happen within the design of the course, others worked diligently to overcome unforeseen circumstances that affect all new golf course builds. It was amazing to compare photos of the first time I stepped on the property in June of 2022. To the images and video shot in mid-October of this year when me and my image/video partner, Jean Perpillant of JP Design Theory were there. You’ll get the opportunity to see some of these images and videos in the coming months.
The course is absolutely amazing. From the views to the hole designs. An incredible 200+ acres of golf course can be seen as you play each hole. This is a bucket list course you should put on your calendar for 2025. And it can be included within a McLemore Golf School program.
Unfortunately, I was not able to play The Keep for various reasons in 2024. But hope to as soon as I am back in 2025.
Cloudland Lodge
Having stayed at Cloudland within 10 days of the opening of the boutique hotel, and then taking part in the grand opening May 2, was nothing short of awesome to witness and watch. Seeing the infinity pool being completed, and sod being placed on the back lawn were the final touches that make Cloudland Lodge a unique and special place to stay.
One of the enduring features of the hotel will undoubtedly be the smell of finally aged leather as enter the lobby. With all railings and banisters being laced with leather straps, this aroma will forever be ingrained in me as welcoming when you walk through the large and heavy wooden doors.
All clients of McLemore Golf School who stayed at Cloudland Lodge were very complimentary of their stay and experience. And are planning to stay again soon.
Dining
6 months of great dining made it a challenge to keep the scale from tipping in the wrong direction. But it was worth every taste, every sip.
The norm for me is The Creag, where Betsy, Jenna, and Megan always provided a warm welcome and my “usual” in a timely manner. Regardless of how busy they are. One thing is for certain. As more guests found their way to McLemore Resort, the Creag was the place to experience the swell of guests the most. Hat’s off to Chef Patrick Asconi and GM Megan Brown for taking great care of me, my family, and my McLemore Golf School guests throughout the season!
Skyside became a new favorite. With a “Skyside” seat to McLemore Cove and a favorite beverage, the open air experience was a great place to unwind and gather thoughts.
The Croft provided a peaceful place to have breakfast or lunch with clients. While the pocket seemed to be a popular place to hold meetings with the staff I interacted with on property.
For our anniversary, my wife and I splurged a little and visited Auld Alliance. The food and experience were 5-star. It’s a special place for a great meal that you can’t find anywhere else on property. Or for that matter within miles of the resort.
Real Estate
Watching the golf village transform from nothing more than a plan 2 years ago to the completion of a few town home villas has been nothing short of amazing. As well as watching some of the incredibly appointed single-family homes being completed. While others are breaking ground to enjoy future summers at McLemore Resort.
As previously detailed in the September 2024 blog, real estate opportunities continue at McLemore Resort. And has more properties are developed, so will the development of many more local amenities and opportunities for all guests of the property to enjoy.
The Future
Plans are being formulated to increase the footprint of McLemore Golf School for 2025 and beyond.
By providing all resort guests with the opportunity to participate in single lessons, clinics, and other golf instruction events and functions. A menu of resort instruction offerings will be available for guests to reserve ahead of their arrival.
Also, part of the resort instruction menu will be small group golf schools, 3-to-1 in guest to instructor ratio. Pre-scheduled and to include room nights at Cloudland Lodge, these programs will also include opportunities to play The Keep as well as participate in VIP experiences scheduled with the Singer/Songwriter series and other special events planned for 2025.
McLemore Golf School will also be the “go to” coaching for all McLemore Resort and McLemore Club members. Final touches are in the works for these programs, providing all members of McLemore an opportunity to enjoy golf more at the special place they call home.
There will be more news to share about McLemore Golf School for 2025, as this year winds down and plans are made complete for next.
Conclusion
It’s with mixed emotions that I make my way back to Orlando for the winter. But hopeful, optimistic, and excited for the future years to come for McLemore Golf School. As well as serving as the Director of Instruction at McLemore Resort.
I’ll miss the house we’ve called home the past 6 months. But thanks to Tobby and his family, we’ll be back in 2025! What a great place to regenerate each evening after a day of assisting McLemore Golf School clients improve their golf skills. The peaceful nights were always something I looked forward to.
I’ll also miss the commute to McLemore Resort each day. Passing acres of untouched nature and its various species of wildlife. As well as not experiencing the traffic of Central Florida.
I’m hopeful that discussions going on now between me and the powers to be at McLemore Resort result in a great long-term relationship. Free of confusion and full of mutual opportunities.
And I’m excited about returning to the Orlando area to take care of the clients and friends that ultimately provide me the opportunities I am fortunate to experience.
Thanks Duane Horton and Charlie Rymer for the opportunity to represent McLemore Resort in the capacity afforded me. Thanks Greg Lecker and Doug Amor for your support past, present, and into the future. Along with the entire golf operations staff of McLemore Resort for making life easier for me and all clients. Special thanks for Shane Rhodes and Gibby Gilbert III for their unwavering support and participation as my assistants when asked. I’m looking forward to what the future brings us both as we together welcome golfers from around the globe who recognize McLemore Resort is a place where they can make improvements to their games and enjoyment of golf.
Thanks McLemore Resort! McLemore Golf School and I are looking forward to May of 2025 and what the years to come will provide us both.